Dr William “Bill” Spitler

Tupelo—Dr. William Oliver “Bill” Spitler, age 81, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice Unit. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on December 1, 1943, the son of Oliver Daniel Spitler and Edna Scott Spitler. Bill earned his bachelors degree in physical engineering, a masters degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri in St. Louis. and his PhD. from the University of St. Louis. From 1964 until 1968, he proudly served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War, which earned him membership in the “Tonkin Bay Yacht Club.”

While living in St. Louis, Dr. Spitler was the owner of three companies, Spitler Technology, Spitler NuServe, and Spitler Heating and Cooling. In 1996 he moved to Memphis for more career opportunities and there he met and married his best friend and soul mate, Debbie Owen Spitler. Bill served as vice president of the National Bank of Commerce, retiring in 2000 from a National Bank of Commerce subsidiary in Nashville. In 2003 Bill and Debbie moved to Tupelo in order to install the PACS system at the North Mississippi Medical Center.

Dr. Spitler was devoted to his faith and a dedicated member of St. James Catholic Church. He also served with the Knights Of Columbus and was on the Board of Lee County Cattleman. His family recalls his kind but feisty spirit, describing him as a quick witted, tractor driving collector of nerdy shirts with a keen sense of humor.

Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife of 29 years, Deborah “Debbie” Owen Spitler; five children, Dan Spitler (Tammy) of O’Fallon, Missouri, Julie Vickers of Springfield, Illinois, Andy Spitler (Renee) of O’Fallon, Dana Goble (Paul) of Gainesville, Florida, and James Bland (Alex) of Moss Point, Mississippi; 12 grandchildren, Drs. Raechel Childers (Wes), Dr. Daniel Spitler (Brittany), Madisen Dickerson (Jacob), Devan Spitler, Sam Spitler, Korina Finley, Naomi Goble, Shelby Neuman, Lucas Neuman, Nathan Goble, Ansley Bland, and Ryker Bland; four great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Maddox, Kaeson, and Evelyn; two brothers, Mike Spitler (Rita), and Jim Spitler (Jackie); and a brother-in-law, Marvin Somers.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Somers.

Visitation will be 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Pegues, Tupelo. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 14, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church with Fathers Joseph Le and Henry Shelton officiating. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be shared at PeguesFuneralHome.com.